Derek R. Rice, O.D.
Dr. Rice is a graduate of Southern California College of Optometry. He has his therapeutic license to treat eye infections, glaucoma and other ocular conditions. He has been in practice in Whittier for 30 years with experience in cataract and refractive surgery evaluations. Dr. Rice is a member of the American Optometric Association, California Optometric Association and the Rio Hondo Optometric Society, serving on the Board of Trustees for many years. Dr. Rice enjoys cycling and swimming in his free time. HIs obsession with cars goes beyond the office. His has a 1969 Corvette which he loves to work on. In 2012, he nominated a long time friend for the hit TV show "Overhaulin". The showed aired in early 2013 and can still be seen on re-runs and on YouTube. Just search under "Rick Fontana's 1967 Mustang"
Irene Vazagov, O.D.
Dr. Vazagov joined our practice in the Fall of 2009. She practiced in Whittier for 8 years with Dr. Kokoris and previouly at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in the Ophthalomolgy department. Dr. Vazagov also owned her own practice in West Los Angeles. She graduated in 1993 from the Southern Califonia College of Optometry in Fullerton. Dr. Vazagov brings with her extensive experience in primary eye care, including the treatment of infections, foreign object removal, and childrens vision. She is also certified to diagnose and treat glaucoma.
Galoust Baghdassarian- Master Optician/ABOC
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Galoust, "GB", is a master optician with over 40 years experience and has been with our office since 1987. His expertise in the lab has allowed us to provide patients with custom repairs to broken frames and same day glasses in some cases. He assists patients in the selection of eye wear, lens types and is very knowledgeable in all aspects of the optical industry. GB enjoys spending quality time with his lovely wife and 4 children. In his spare time, he works on projects around the house and loves riding his motorcycle. Honk...if you see him riding along Whittier Blvd.
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Michelle Welch-Master Optician/NCLE
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With over 30 years experience in contact lens training and fittings, Michelle has helped many patients overcome their fear of contact lenses. She is very knowledgeable in all aspects of the contact lens industry. She also helps our patients in the selection of eye wear and sunglasses. She spends her free time playing with her two cats and riding her bicycle. Michelle is involved with her church and community outreach.
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Lisa Case, Receptionist
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Lisa has been with the practice for over 30 years. Lisa is a long time resident of La Habra, living in a vintage 1910 home. She spends much of her free time with her family.
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Robin Lovato - Receptionist/Back office
Having worked for over 25 years with Ophthalmologists, Robin comes to us with experience in all aspects of the back office. She has knowledge in visual screening, confrontation fields, color vision, dilation and A-scans. Robin assists with patients pre-testing and special testing needs. She enjoys her time away from the office with her husband and two grown daughters. Robin and her husband recently became new grandparents!
Jennifer Logan-Receptionist/ CL Trainer
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Jennifer has been a part of our optometric team for nearly 25 years. She really enjoys her job and loves working with patients. Jennifer is happy to help patients understand their insurance needs and with contact lens trainings.
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Pam Leidelmeyer-Insurance Billing
Pam is our insurance claims specialist,having vast knowledge in all aspects of insurance billing. In her spare time she enjoys playing Bunco and traveling. She spends much of her free time with her grandson Maverik, who is an amazing baseball star.